There are many reasons I run – to get in shape and stay healthy, to set a good example for my daughters, stress relief, personal enjoyment, the list goes on and on. However, I have one more reason to run. The Pittsburgh Marathon has many charity partners, and a number of race entrants raise money for a cause they’re passionate about while pursuing their own personal goal. Over $1.2 million was raised in 2011 by Pittsburgh Marathon participants for local and national charities such as: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. In addition to my goal of finishing the 2012 Pittsburgh Marathon, I am committed to raising money for a charity near and dear to my heart – Give Kids The World Village. Please continue after the break to learn more about the Village, and how you can support me in my fundraising efforts.

Give Kids The World (GKTW) is a non-profit resort in Central Florida (only 3 miles from Walt Disney World) where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families stay (cost-free) when they have a wish to visit Walt Disney World, hug Cinderella, see Hogwarts Castle, swim with dolphins at SeaWorld, meet an astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center, etc. Very often these are families who have only known a world of illness, doctors, and medical bills, and have not had the time or resources to take a true family vacation. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a week-long, escape for these families.

As a father, I’m extremely fortunate to have 2 healthy children, and we have taken a number of family vacations including many to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. It’s important to me to have my children understand how fortunate they are, and give back to those who may not have similar opportunities. That’s why I’m running to raise money for GKTW.

I’m asking for people to sponsor me $1 for each mile for the Pittsburgh Marathon – $26.20 total. If that’s not possible, consider pledging $0.50/mile ($13.10 total), or $10, or even $1. Whatever you could spare would go a long way towards helping children and families in need. If only 40 people donate $26.20 to this effort, together we would raise over $1,000 for GKTW. Click here to contribute to this fundraising effort, and I thank you for your support. Click here for the next installment of my training efforts for the Pittsburgh Marathon. For more running adventures, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on twitter and “like” our facebook page too.

This GKTW Pittsburgh Marathon Challenge fundraiser is just one small part of a larger, ongoing campaign called The Power of 10, to raise $1,000,000 for GKTW. Click here to learn more about the Power of 10: GKTW $1,000,000 Challenge.